Springfield XD Forum banner

left hand slide release.

15K views 23 replies 17 participants last post by  Ralffers  
#1 ·
im wondering how any other left handed people are dropping the slide quickly or easily with their left hand. when i got my xdm40 i didnt pay much attention to this, and now quickly droping the slide s a bit of a pita. im hoping that over time the action will losen up a little making it a little less stiff. i have only shot 100 through it so far.
 
#2 ·
I never use the slide release, it's just too difficult to use as a lefty. Not a big deal as I only train to sling shot the slide and that works on all guns the same way.
 
#6 ·
I just pull the release down with my index finger. It was a little hard at first but it loosened quickly, just like the XDsc.
 
#8 ·
As a leftie who got his xd-m 9mm yesterday I was having the same questions. All I can say is duh? Why didn't I think of that.

This newbie also has another question. I have tried to get the loader to work with the magazine and I guess I just don't understand how it works. Are there any videos out there demonstrating how to do it?
Thanks
 
#9 ·
look on youtube
 
#12 ·
mike go back to youtube and enter "xdm magazine loader"
 
#14 · (Edited)
The only problem I might see with pulling and releasing the slide versus using the slide release is in taking a chl class.

The instructors I have had seemed really adamant about dropping the slide using the release and not a rear pull and release. Maybe that was them just not wanting it released softly and not seating the round.

and the XDM manual says to use the slide stop to release the slide, just saying...

No doubt it is all about seating the round strong and not soft, what ever method is used. The manufacturers probably have to say use the release for liability issues.
 
#16 ·
The only problem I might see with pulling and releasing the slide versus using the slide release is in taking a chl class.

The instructors I have had seemed really adamant about dropping the slide using the release and not a rear pull and release. Maybe that was them just not wanting it released softly and not seating the round.
my instructor was very adamant about NOT using the slide release b/c there is a good chance of not being able to locate and depress the slide release during a high stress situation - just like Buffman says - you will lose your "fine motor skills"
 
#18 ·
dont forget my rep points, the little scales at the bottom.
 
#21 ·
Another point that I don't think has been brought up here is ther fact that when by simply dropping the slide stop, repeatedly, it will begin to wear the "sharp corner" machined in the slide. This corner is why the positive catch action happens and holds the slide open. By not sling-shoting the slide to close it, but by just thumbing the stop downwhile still under pressure of the slide springwill enevitably cause wear and round the corners where the original sharpness is needed for functionallity.
 
#22 ·
As a leftie who got his xd-m 9mm yesterday I was having the same questions. All I can say is duh? Why didn't I think of that.

This newbie also has another question. I have tried to get the loader to work with the magazine and I guess I just don't understand how it works. Are there any videos out there demonstrating how to do it?
Thanks
hehe use your thumb!

jk man, it took me quite a while to figure it out, and once i did i can still load faster with my thumb. the first few hundred rounds the mags are extremely tough still. they loosen up and make it alot easier to hand load
 
#23 · (Edited)
I'm a lefty, and I've tried dropping the slide both ways. I have no problems doing it with my right thumb to press the slide lock button, but most of the time I manually rack the slide.

Locking the slide back is another story. I find that I have to switch the gun to my right hand to do that.